New back pain surgery could ‘change the game’ for sufferers

A new surgery could be the way forward for Australians suffering from serious back pain.

Neurosurgeon Marc Coughlan, who specialises in invasive spinal procedures, has led the charge in this new technique, which involves implanting artificial spacers into the spine.

The procedure can take a lot less time than a traditional surgery of its kind.

A new surgery could help people afflicted with back pain. (A Current Affair)

It is also far less invasive, as the surgeon enters through the patient's side and cuts through skin and muscle, in a lateral approach.

In contrast, a traditional anterior approach would involve cutting through the stomach.

Artificial 3D-printed spacers, or in many cases generic spacers, are placed in the space between the vertebrae of the spine.

Dr Mark Coughlan said the procedure was "changing the game". (A Current Affair)

"The beautiful thing about this technique is that because you're going through such a silent, non-eloquent part of the body in a way, that they just have very little post-operative pain," Dr Coughlan said.